Yu-Gi-Oh! Fan Fiction ❯ Family By Choice ❯ chapter5 ( Chapter 5 )

Family By Choice

by Dragondreamer & Yami Dragon

Disclaimer: We don't own Yu-Gi-Oh! If we did, the boys would be running around naked all the time and we'd never get ANY work done.

Warning: This story contains shouenen-ai (guy/guy relationships) and yaoi (guys having sex with guys). It also contains coarse language and violence. If you don't like it, or become offended by such things, take off already!

Note: /…/ Tristan's thoughts

[…] Joey's thoughts

{…} Seto's thoughts

[[…]]Yami's thought and mind link to Yugi

//…// Yugi's thoughts and mind link to Yami

{{…}} Otogi's thoughts

*…* Mokuba's thoughts

`yak, yak' Sadie's(AI) voice

~*~*~*~*~

DD: Sorry gang, but the lemon didn't make it into this chapter.

YD: But there's going to be one, possibly two in the next chapter.

Seto: That should keep them happy. *rolls eyes*

Tris: *smacks Seto* And you call ME asshole.

~*~*~*~*~

Joey sat on Mokuba's bed, waiting for him to come out of the bathroom.

It had taken him a while to calm the boy down. He hadn't seen him this upset since the night Seto had had his motorcycle accident; before they knew the extent of his injuries.

The bathroom door opened and Mokuba came out, dressed, hair dry, and a bundle of clothes in his arms. He walked over to the open closet and dropped them in the hamper, the look on his face somewhere between distaste and sorrow. When he turned to face Joey, the blond could see he was still crying, the tears trailing silently down his face.

He came and sat next to Joey, his shoulders slumped.

Without a word, Joey gathered Mokuba into his arms and just held him. It's wasn't his place to start this discussion.

Mokuba laid his head against Joey's chest, one hand clutching the blond's shirt and his breath hitching in an effort to control his tears. He took comfort in the fact that Joey wouldn't ask, wouldn't try to get him to talk until he was ready.

And he wasn't sure if he was.

*I thought I loved her. I thought she loved me.* Grey eyes squeezed shut against the tears…and the memories. *If she loved me, she wouldn't have said those things. She knows no matter what I DO love Seto. Why did she keep bringing him up? Why didn't I see before how much she seems to hate gays? How can she want to be with me if she does? My whole family is gay. I don't want to be with someone who can't love my family for who they are. But…but…I made love to her. Doesn't that count for something?*

He felt Joey kiss the top of his head and, in that loving gesture, something inside him snapped.

"Oh, gods, Joey!" Mokuba clung to him. "I…I…oh, gods!"

"Shh. It's okay, Mokuba." Joey stroked the shaggy raven locks. "Take a deep breath. If you're ready to talk, I'm here."

Mokuba nodded, struggling to bring himself under control. "I-I want to…but I don't know where to start."

"Well…how about at the beginning?"

"Did Tristan tell you about last week?" Mokuba asked, burrowing further into Joey's embrace.

"Last week? What about it?"

"About what he and I talked about? About Roger."

"No." Joey pulled back and looked at Mokuba. "Is something wrong with Roger?"

Mokuba shook his head. "No. He…he told me…he loves me and we…ummm…"

"You slept together?" Joey asked, his tone holding no judgment.

"No. We just…he…ummm…he g-gave me…ummmm…" Pale features flushed crimson.

Joey grinned. "I think I get it. You don't have to tell me. Besides, it's really none of my business. Not unless you CHOOSE to make it my business."

"You won't tell anyone, will you?"

"Have I ever told anyone your secrets, Mokuba?" Joey asked. "Unless it's something that could hurt our family, my lips are sealed. Okay?"

Mokuba nodded and tried to snuggle closer, grateful to the man holding him. "It's about Becky."

"Did you guys have a fight?"

"Kinda." Mokuba sighed. "I…I slept with her."

Joey raised an eyebrow. [Didn't expect him to say THAT!]

"But…I didn't really want to. Well, I WANTED to, but…" Mokuba trailed off, a small sob escaping him. "I feel like she forced me into it. She kept telling me to prove to her that I was a man…that I wasn't like Seto. She…she called him a fruit, Joey. And she said you were all fags."

"Maybe she just doesn't understand." Joey said, trying to be fair.

"That's what I thought. But she kept bringing up Seto. I got mad." Mokuba shivered. "I was so stupid! I did it because I was mad at Seto! Because of him treating me like a little kid!"

"So you did it to prove to yourself that you're not, right?"

"I don't know." Mokuba said miserably. "Gods, Joey! It was a total disaster! I felt like such a klutz! And I didn't even…I couldn't…and she laughed at me!"

"First of all," Anger crept into Joey's voice. "Her laughing at you was needlessly cruel. And did it occur to you that maybe the reason you couldn't was because you were coerced into it?"

"But…I did with Roger."

"Did Roger force you into it?"

"No." Mokuba shook his head vehemently. "Roger would never do that to me."

"Mokuba," Joey tipped the teen's face up and looked him in the eye. "Do you love her?"

"If I did, I sure as hell don't now."

"You know, it's just my opinion, but I don't think you do. I don't know her, but from what you've told me…I can't see you loving someone like that."

"You're right." Mokuba sighed. "Roger asked me if I loved her and it kinda got me thinking. I think it had more to do with Seto and any feelings I had for her."

"What about Roger? Do you have feelings for him?"

"He's my best friend."

"I mean beyond that. You said he told you he loves you." Joey brushed a few stray tears from Mokuba's face. "Do you love him?"

"I'm not sure." Mokuba replied. "Today at school I kissed him. I don't know why…I just NEEDED to. I've been thinking about him a lot that way…for a while now. I think…I think I want to be with him."

Joey just nodded, instinctively knowing Mokuba wasn't finished.

"Joey…you're bi, right?"

"Mmm-hm." Joey nodded again.

"So, you've been with women?"

"No. I hadn't been with anyone before Tris and I got together." Joey replied honestly. "But I do find women attractive. Why?"

"The first time you and Tristan slept together…you knew you loved each other, didn't you?"

Joey frowned. "Yes. What's with all the questions, little buddy? You going somewhere with this?"

"I wish I had waited." Tears filled the slate colored eyes again. "I wish Roger had been my first. At least he loves me."

"Oh, Mokuba," Joey held Mokuba tightly as the raven haired teen began to cry once more. "I'm so sorry."

"I'm afraid, Joey." Mokuba sobbed. "What if he gets mad at me? What if he doesn't want to be with me now? I think…I think I love him. What if I lose him?"

"Hey." Joey grasped Mokuba by the shoulders and pushed him back, looking into the tear-streaked face. "Do you honestly think that's gonna happen? Listen, kiddo, when someone loves you, they'll forgive you for ANYTHING. You know that. You've seen it. Tristan forgave me for Keith, and your brother forgave Tristan for trying to leave him when he tried to kill himself. THAT'S real love. Hell, Ryou forgave Bakura for all the things he did. If Roger loves you….REALLY loves you…he'll forgive you."

Mokuba wrapped his arms around Joey, squeezing him hard. He knew all about what had happened last year. They had never tried to keep it from him. "Thanks, Joey."

"No problem, colt." Joey hugged him back. "That's what I'm here for."

"I'm glad you are." Mokuba smiled through his tears.

Joey kissed Mokuba on the forehead. "Always."

~*~*~*~*~

"Hey-doe, Da-ee." Lexi greeted her father.

"Hey, angel girl." Joey scooped her up in his arms, kissing her.

He sat down on the couch and settled his daughter in his lap, smiling when Justin climbed up next to them.

"Everything okay, Joey?" Yugi asked from where he was sitting on the other couch with Yami, feeding Matthew.

"Fine. Why?"

"Mokuba seemed rather…upset when he came home." Yami said.

"He's fine."

"What's wrong with him?" Yugi asked, his expression concerned.

Joey shook his head. "Can't answer that."

"Why not?" Yami's eyes narrowed.

"Because I told him I wouldn't talk about it." Joey stated, his tone firm. "You know better than to ask me that question, Yami."

Before Yami could retort, Justin tugged on Joey's sleeve. "Is Uncle Mokuba okay?"

"He'll be fine, little man." Joey said to the child. "He just needs some time alone."

"Joey…" Yami began.

//Yami…stop. No matter what you say, Joey's not going to tell you. If Mokuba wants to talk to us about what's wrong, he will. Let him come to us. Stop acting like Seto.//

[[I'm worried, Aibou.]]

//So am I, but harping on Joey won't get you any where. Tristan's right. We need to treat Mokuba like the adult he is.//

Yami sighed in resignation. "I'm sorry, Joey."

"S'alright, bud." Joey grinned. "I'm sure he'll talk to you when he's ready."

"We were going to take the kids out for supper tonight." Yugi said, deftly changing the subject. "Want to come? We're going to go buy a crib for Matthew after. I want to get the portable one back to the orphanage."

"Actually, if you don't mind taking the little monster here," Joey tickled Lexi, making her squirm and giggle. "I'm going to go over to Otogi's. I haven't been able to get a hold of him and I'm getting a little worried."

"We can do that." Yugi replied. "Do you think Mokuba would like to come with us?"

"I doubt it, but I'll ask him for you if you want."

"Could you? I don't want to disturb him." Yugi pulled the bottle from Matthew's mouth, making the baby wail in protest. "Shh, baby."

Matthew stopped crying and blinked dark blue eyes up at his father. He smiled and then let out a belch that seemed to echo in the room.

"Daz g-woss!" Lexi scrunched her face up. "Ba-ra did dat an Ree dot mad."

Joey laughed. "Babies need to do that after they eat so their bellies don't hurt, sweetie."

"The Tomb Robber's just crass." Yami said dryly.

"What's crass mean?" Justin asked.

"Gross." Joey replied, standing up with Lexi in his arms. "I'll get Lexi changed before I head out."

"Lexi wan we-are da pity tink dess Ba-ra gave." The little girl piped up.

"Has anyone else noticed Bakura's penchant for pink things?" Yugi smirked.

Yami rolled his eyes. "Poor Ryou."

"Are we sure he's a guy?" Joey joked.

"I'd have to be Ryou to answer that." Yugi responded, chuckling.

Yami shuddered. "Let's end this conversation now…please."

~*~*~*~*~

Seto kicked the bedroom door shut behind him, a cup of coffee in each hand. "Tris?"

"Outside."

Seto went out onto the veranda to find Tristan leaning on the railing, looking out over the water, a cigarette in his hand. He set Tristan's coffee next to him, noticing the pensive look on his friend's face.

Tristan glanced up, giving the taller man a small smile. "Thanks."

Seto leaned next to him, watching the orange rays of the setting sun play across Tristan's face. He was getting feelings of guilt and remorse from the other brunet and he frowned.

"What's that all about?" He asked.

Tristan shrugged, not replying.

"Why are you feeling guilty?" Seto asked. "You're not…regretting it?"

Tristan shook his head. "No."

"But…" Seto stopped, concentrating on what Tristan was feeling.

It wasn't just guilt. Tristan was afraid.

What they had experienced…what they had shared…it was so incredible, it had connected them like nothing else…and he was afraid once wasn't going to be enough. He was afraid that he'd want it again. That just thinking about it was betraying Joey; and his friendship with Yami and Yugi.

"Tris, don't…please." Seto reached out to him.

Tristan moved away, turning around and leaning back against the railing. He shook his head and put out his cigarette, reaching for his coffee. He had tears in his eyes.

"Tristan," Seto moved the cup out of his reach. "Don't avoid me again. Talk to me."

"I can't…I don't regret it. I'm glad we did. And I know Joey was okay with it. But…" Tristan paused, biting his lip. "I know it's not going to be enough. It was too…I can't even describe it. I think…I think we should just go home. Try to forget it happened."

Seto was dumbstruck. "Forget it?! What the fuck are you saying?! I can't forget something like that!! Gods, Tristan! Doesn't what we have mean ANYTHING to you anymore?!"

"I didn't say that!" Tristan shouted back. "We can't do this, Seto! It's not right!"

"We're not DOING anything!"

"Not yet." Tristan's voice dropped to a miserable whisper.

{Oh, Tristan…} Seto went to him and pulled him into his arms. {You're worrying over something that probably won't even happen.}

"But what if it does?" Tristan put his arms around Seto's waist, clinging to him. "What if…oh, gods…I just want Joey to be happy." /I'll die if I lose him again./

{You're not going to lose him.} Seto tipped Tristan's face up and looked into his eyes. {You seriously need to talk to him about this, buddy. If it's worrying you that much.}

/What am I supposed to say to him? Joey and I have never talked about what goes on between you and me./

{Maybe it's time you did.}

Tristan shook his head. "I can't."

"Remember what happened the LAST time you didn't talk to Joey about what you were feeling?"

Tristan shuddered. "Yes."

"Listen to me." Seto moved back so he could look into the worried hazel eyes. "Joey wants you to be here…with me. Even if it's just for tonight. If you doubt that, call him."

"Maybe I should." Tristan shook his head. "I don't know. I'm sorry, pal. I guess I'm just confused."

"That's okay." Seto smiled gently. "I'm sorry I yelled at you."

Tristan pulled Seto against him. "Kiss and make up?"

Seto wrapped his arms tightly around Tristan and he leaned in, kissing him deeply. Tristan tangled his hands in Seto's hair, responding fervently.

/I'm sorry. Seto, gods, I'm sorry./

{You're letting your conscience rule you again, Tristan. You know that doesn't apply here.} Seto broke the kiss and moved back, looking into Tristan's eyes. "Call Joey. Talk to him."

Tristan nodded, moving from Seto's arms. His cell phone was in his jacket, which was slung over a chair, and he dug it out of his pocket.

"I'm going to go get a shower." Seto said. "I reek of horse."

Tristan couldn't help but smile at the slight shudder of distaste that ran through his friend at the comment. "Okay, pal."

As Seto went back inside, Tristan sat down, reaching for his cigarettes again. A little disgusted with himself, he lit one, thinking, once again, that he really needed to try harder to quit.

He dialed Joey's cell number, wondering if he'd have any more luck getting him to answer this time.

"Hello?"

"Hey, baby."

"Tris!" Joey sounded surprised. "What are you doing, calling me?"

Tristan rolled his eyes. "You set me up."

Joey snickered. "Did it work?"

"Yes." Tristan sighed.

"Hang on." Joey said. "I'm in traffic. I've gotta pull over."

"Where are you going?" Tristan asked when Joey came back on the line.

"Otogi's. I'm getting worried. I can't get a hold of him. But don't change the subject. Did it work? Are things okay between you guys now?"

"Yeah." Tristan replied. "Joey…"

"What's wrong, angel?"

"Joey…it was…I can't…I'm thinking I should just come home."

"Don't you dare!" Joey was adamant. "Tristan, you guys need this. This is not the time for you to be feeling guilty."

"But…"

"I mean it!" Joey interrupted. "Listen…you and Seto need this time together. If I didn't understand that, I wouldn't have set this up."

"So it WAS your idea." Tristan said. /Why am I not surprised?/

"Yes, it was. Yugi and Yami agreed. So did Master Kiotou. Love, I know you feel guilty for sleeping with Seto. Don't. The only reason for you to feel that way is if you were keeping it from me. You're not. This was MY idea. I know you need to be with him. I understand. Okay?"

"But…but what if it's not enough, Joey? What if I need him again?" Tristan bit his lip. "It's so much stronger now than it ever was."

"Then we'll deal with it...if and when it happens. Even if it does, it's not going to change anything. I love you, and I know you love me." Joey replied. "Tris, be with him. Just for tonight forget about the family, your job and your responsibilities."

"I don't know if I can do that."

"Why the hell not? Look, Yugi, Yami and I can handle everything. Just go be with Seto."

Tristan shook his head, suddenly realizing how foolish he was being. One of the things he loved most about Joey was how he could put everything into perspective. His relationship with Seto had always been different…separate and apart from anything else in his life. It didn't change how much he loved Joey. And he was damn lucky Joey realized that.

"Baby…I love you."

"I love you too…worrywart." Joey chuckled. "Go on. I'll see you tomorrow."

"Goodnight, love." Tristan smiled as he hung up the phone.

Conscience clear, he stood up and went to join Seto.

~*~*~*~*~

Joey shook his head as he hung up and pulled back onto the road. [I swear sometimes he just worries to worry.]

He had his own worries right now though. Mainly Otogi. He'd been trying to get a hold of him for days, but he hadn't been answering his phone. Joey knew he was home…he had to be.

He pulled into the driveway, sitting for a minute and just looking at the house.

[Is he avoiding me? I know he still has feelings for me and Tris both. He's tried to hide it, but he's not doing a very good job. He's been seeing a lot of different guys. That worries me. None of them seem too nice. I've seen marks on him. Nothing serious, but they're still there.]

Joey got out of his car and went to the front door. He rang the doorbell, hoping and praying Otogi would answer.

The door opened to reveal Otogi; looking like he'd been through hell and back.

"Gods, man!" Joey reached out to him. "Are you okay?!"

"I'm fine." Dull green eyes regarded the blond. "I just haven't been feeling well. What are you doing here?"

"I came to see you." Joey frowned. "Are you going to invite me in?"

Otogi mentally shook himself. "I'm sorry, Joey. Come in."

Joey raised an eyebrow as Otogi stepped back to let him enter. He followed the other man into the house, quick to take notice of the fact he was limping.

Otogi sat carefully on the couch, trying to hide how much it hurt to move. "I was speaking to Grandfather. He told me what happened. Are you guys okay?"

Joey shook his head. "Lexi was pretty upset."

"What happened?"

As Joey told Otogi what had been going on since he had spoken to him last, he watched his friend carefully. Otogi was holding himself as if he was in a lot of pain.

"So, Seto's got another kid." A small smile graced the dark haired man's lips. "He sounds sweet."

"He is." Joey replied absently. He couldn't stand it any longer. "Are you okay? You look like you're in pain."

Otogi shrugged carefully. "Rough weekend."

As he shrugged, the short tee shirt he was wearing rode up on his stomach and Joey could see he was bruised. Amber eyes widened and, seeing it, Otogi hastened to pull his shirt down.

Joey grabbed him by the arm to stop him and Otogi whimpered in pain.

Pinning him with his eyes, Joey gently pushed up the other's shirt sleeve, seeing finger shaped bruises on the pale arm.

Joey frowned. "Take off your shirt."

Otogi shook his head.

"Take. Off. Your. Shirt."

"Please, Joey." Otogi whispered. "I can't. It took me ten minutes to get the damned thing on."

Joey bit his lip, his hands going to raise the hem of Otogi's shirt. What he saw brought tears to his eyes. Bruises and cuts littered the lean chest and stomach, some of them looking infected.

"Oh, gods." Joey choked. "Otogi…"

Otogi's hands closed over Joey's tugging his shirt down. "Don't. It's none of your business."

"Like hell it's not!" Joey yelled. "Who did this to you?! Was it that guy you went out with on Friday?!"

"It's none of your business." Otogi said again, this time not sounding so convinced.

"Otogi, some of these cuts are infected. You should go see your grandfather."

Otogi looked at Joey as if he had suddenly grown a third eye. "Are you out of your mind?!"

Joey chewed his lip. He could see Otogi's point. "Do you have anything?"

"Umm…I don't know."

"Stay here." Joey got up from the couch and headed upstairs to the bathroom.

Rummaging around in the medicine cabinet, he managed to come up with some antibiotic cream. He shut the mirrored door, catching sight of a bloodied towel lying on the floor. His hands clenched into fists and he fought back a wave of anger.

[Gods! If I find the son of a bitch who did this…] Tears came on the heels of anger. [Otogi…why didn't you call me?]

He came back downstairs to find Otogi still sitting on the couch, but the raven haired man was shivering and had a feverish look in his eyes. Joey went to him, placing a hand on his forehead.

"You're running a fever." His voice was worried. "Otogi…maybe we should take you to the hospital."

"No!" Otogi shook his head. "I'll be fine."

"You're not. Please…Otogi…let me help you."

Emerald eyes met amber and a small whimper fell from Otogi's lips. "You can't help me."

"I can. And I'm going to." Joey reached down and pulled Otogi up from the couch. "If you don't want to go to a hospital, fine. But you're going to let me do something about those…Oh, holy shit."

Joey's gaze fell on where Otogi had been sitting. There was blood on the couch. It wasn't much, but it was enough to send the blond into a near panic.

Otogi swayed suddenly, his knees buckling. Joey caught him, lifting him up. He looked down into the other's eyes, seeing them glazed over.

"Otogi?"

No answer.

[Gods…what do I do? Think, Joey. Okay…I won't take him to the hospital…yet. He's not hemorrhaging, so it's probably the fever.] Memories of long hours spent under Master Kiotou's tutelage came pouring back. [I need to get something into him for that.]

He laid Otogi down on the couch and ran for the kitchen. He was almost as familiar with Otogi's house as he was with Seto's and he knew just what he was looking for.

Pulling open a cupboard door, he pulled down a few glass jars, thankful to see most of what he needed. He got some water boiling and took down a mug, adding feverfew and sage to it. He saw a small vial of myrtle essential oil and grabbed it, stuffing it into his pants pocket.

He poured the hot water into the mug, added an ice cube to it to cool it quickly, and took it out to the living room. Otogi was still on the couch, his eyes closed. Joey went to him, laying a hand on his face.

"Otogi?"

Jewel-like eyes fluttered open, struggling to focus. "Joey?"

"It's going to be okay. I'll take care of you. I promise."

Otogi smiled weakly. "My hero."

Joey helped him to sit up, stuffing the cushions behind his back. "Drink this."

Otogi took the cup from him, smiling again when Joey wrapped his hands around Otogi's, helping him to drink. When he was done, Joey knelt next to the couch, taking Otogi's hands in his.

"How long have you been like this?"

"I was okay until this morning." Otogi said. "I woke up with a fever."

"And you didn't take anything for it?"

Otogi shook his head. "It took everything I had just to get up and have a shower."

"Okay. Listen…I'm going to go upstairs and run the bath. I'll be back down in a minute to help you, alright?"

Otogi shook his head. "Joey…you don't have to. I'll be fine."

"Just shut up and let me do this." Joey pushed the sweat-damp hair off the other's forehead. "If you won't go see your grandfather and you won't go to the hospital, you're going to let me help you. Don't sit there and tell me you're alright, because you're not."

"O-Okay." Otogi looked deeply into the concerned, honey colored eyes. "Thank you, Joey."

"Hey, you're my friend." Joey smiled. "And I wouldn't be much of one if I didn't help you when you needed me."

With one last grin, displayed for the other man's benefit, Joey went back upstairs to the bathroom. He started the water running in the bathtub and took some clean towels out of the closet. He took out the vial of oil, adding the entire contents of the small glass container to the bath water. The antiseptic qualities of the myrtle would go a long way in helping fight the infection of Otogi's injuries.

Leaving the water running, Joey went into Otogi's bedroom with the intention of finding some loose, comfortable clothes for his friend. He turned away from the dresser, looking toward the unmade bed. He had to fight back the urge to cry at the sight of the blood stained sheets. Again, it wasn't a lot, but it hurt to look at it.

Joey hurried back into the bathroom, depositing the clean clothes and turning off the water. He ran down the stairs and into the living room, finding Otogi asleep on the couch.

The dark haired man was still hot to the touch and he was sweating profusely, which let Joey know the medication was working.

"Otogi, wake up." Joey laid a hand on Otogi's shoulder, shaking him gently. "Come on, bud. Open your eyes."

Otogi woke with a moan of pain, his eyes not quite focusing on the blond's face. "Joey? What are you doing here?"

[Damn. The fever must be worse than I thought.] Joey took Otogi's hand. "Don't you remember?"

"I…I think so." Otogi looked confused. "You were mad at me for something."

Joey sighed. "I'm not mad at you. Come on. We need to get you upstairs. Can you walk?"

Otogi nodded and Joey grasped his hands, slowly pulling him up. Otogi clenched his teeth against the pain, struggling to stand up straight as he made it to his feet. Joey shouldered up under his weight, trying not to touch him too much. As his arm came around Otogi's back, the emerald eyed man cried out, his body going ridged.

"I'm sorry." Joey's voice was a choked whisper. "I'm sorry, Otogi. I don't want to hurt you, but I have to get you upstairs."

Otogi bit his lip, hard enough to make it bleed, and took a deep breath. "It's…it's okay. Let's j-just get there."

By the time they reached the top of the stairs, tears were flowing, unchecked, down Otogi's face and his breath was coming in harsh, panting sobs. Joey was having a hard time controlling his own tears as he led the other into the bathroom.

Once inside, he pushed Otogi gently to the wall, hoping he could stay on his feet and began to draw his tee shirt off him. Otogi hissed as he raised his arms enough for Joey to get the shirt off.

"Oh, gods…" Joey's lip trembled as he saw the full extent of the damage.

The bruises covering his chest, stomach and back were almost square in shape, some of them outline by cuts. Joey wasn't stupid. It was obvious they were made by the buckle end of a belt. The blond had sported similar marks enough times to know what they were.

"No…no…" Joey backed away from Otogi, his eyes wide and glassy. "Dad…no…"

The blond's pitiful whimpering cut through the pain and fever haze and Otogi recognized immediately that Joey was having a flashback.

"Joey," Otogi reached out to him. "It's okay. He's not here. Shh."

Joey shook his head frantically, backing up against the sink. "Please…Dad, I'm sorry…"

"Joey, it's just you and me. He's not here. Look at me, Joey. Come on." Otogi let his hands drop, mentally berating himself for trying to touch the blond. "Listen to me. He can't be here. He's dead. Remember? Your father died last year."

"He's…he's dead?" Joey's eyes began to clear. "He's dead."

"That's right." Otogi nodded, clutching the towel rack to keep on his feet. "He can't hurt you anymore."

"He's dead." Joey repeated, as though trying to convince himself.

"He is." Otogi slowly extended his hand to the other man. "It's just me here. Joey…come back. I need you. I don't know how much longer I can stand here. Please."

Joey's eyes suddenly snapped back into focus, hearing his friend's words. Otogi was hurt. He needed him. Now was not the time to go to pieces over something that happened years ago.

"Otogi…"

"Shh. It's okay." Otogi comforted him as the blond's fingers entwined with his own.

He pulled Joey toward him, ignoring the pain and putting his arms around him. Joey's embrace was a gentle as he could manage and he quickly stepped away, not wanted to hurt Otogi.

"Gods…Otogi. I'm sorry." Joey apologized. "I didn't mean to…"

"No." Otogi shook his head. "It's not like you can control these things. It's alright."

"L-Let's get you undressed." Joey said, trying to shake off the last, lingering fear that always came with the flashbacks.

Otogi grasped the towel rack with both hands, groaning in pain as Joey removed his pants for him. He wavered, feeling himself go weak and was grateful when Joey scooped him up; despite the pain it caused him.

"This is going to hurt." Joey said, lowering Otogi into the tub.

Otogi tried to keep from screaming as the water enveloped his battered body. He failed.

"Shh, Otogi." Joey tried to make himself heard over the other's cries. "It's okay."

"Joey! It hurts!"

"I know. I know it does."

Otogi buried his face in his hands, trying to stop the tears. Hard sobs rocked his body as Joey gently stroked his hair, speaking softly to him.

Long minutes passed and the pain began to ease. Otogi lifted his head to see that Joey was crying too.

"I didn't want you to see this, Joey." Otogi said. "I never wanted you to see me this way."

"Please tell me what happened." Joey picked p a washcloth, soaping it up and gently washing the cut and bruised body. "It was the guy you went out with this weekend, wasn't it?"

Otogi nodded. "It was."

"Why did he do this to you?"

"Because…because I wanted it." Otogi avoided Joey's eyes.

"You can't be serious?!" Joey was shocked. "How could you POSSIBLY want THIS?!"

"I like the pain." Otogi whispered. "I always have."

Joey shook his head in denial. "But…this..?"

"Things got a little out f hand."

"No fucking kidding!"

"Joey…please…promise me you won't tell anyone." The raven haired man begged. "I don't want anyone to know."

"Otogi…"

"Please!" Otogi grabbed Joey's arm. "Promise me!"

Joey swallowed hard, his answer barely audible. "I promise."

"Thank you." Otogi brought the hand clutching Joey's arm up to cup his face. "Thank you, Joey."

Joey's hand came up to cover Otogi's. "Let's get this finished. You look like you need some sleep."

"Will…will you stay with me, Joey? I don't want to be alone tonight." More tears spilled from the emerald eyes, shimmering with more than just physical pain.

"Of course I will." Joey leaned over the side of the tub and pressed a soft kiss to Otogi's forehead.

~*~*~*~*~

Tristan descended the stairs, heading for the office on the main floor to check his email.

The door to the room was open and Tristan could here someone talking. He stopped just outside the door, listening.

"I'm telling you, they're both here. And I know what they were doing in that bedroom! Gods, I could hear them! It was disgusting!"

Tristan's eyes narrowed. All Kaiba Corp. employees were required to sign confidentiality contracts. Most of Seto's people would never dream of discussing their employer's private life even amongst themselves.

Striding into the room, he saw a woman dressed in a maid's uniform standing at the desk, her back to him and the phone to her ear.

"I heard him tell Thomas that they would be spending the night. And it's just the two of them. I saw them kissing out in the driveway. Right where everyone could see them!"

Tristan came up behind her, reaching over her shoulder and disconnecting the call. The woman spun around, dropping the phone.

"Just what do you think you're doing?" Tristan asked, his voice low and dangerous. /Seto, you'd better get down here./

"Mr. Taylor!" The woman backed up a step.

"You're fired." Tristan said, advancing on her, trying to keep his temper in check.

She lifted her chin, glaring at Tristan. "You don't have the authority to fire me! Just because you're fucking him, doesn't give you the right!"

"Listen, you little bitch!" Tristan grabbed her by the arms. "What goes on in Seto's private life is NOT your concern! You have no business talking about it to ANYONE! Understand?!"

"Tris, let her go." Seto came into the room, walking up to the other brunet and placing a hand on his shoulder.

Tristan did as Seto told him, pushing the woman away from him in disgust. /I caught her on the phone with someone, telling them what we were doing. I told her she was fired. She said…/

{I heard what she said.} Seto turned to the woman. "You are in violation of your contract. You have one hour to remove yourself and your belongings from the property. Someone from the law department will contact you to discuss what charges you'll be facing. Now GET OUT!"

As the woman scurried out, Seto shook his head. "That wasn't smart, buddy. You shouldn't have touched her."

Tristan took a deep breath, willing the tension from his body. "I couldn't help it. She had it coming."

"Be that as it may, you should have kept your temper…and your hands…to yourself."

"Yeah, sure, boss."

"You're such an ass." Seto rolled his eyes. "Let's see who she was talking to.

Seto replaced the receiver on the phone and hit a button, bringing up the name of the last person called.

Becket, Andrew

"Oh, shit."

~*~*~*~*~

Joey settled Otogi into bed after he had changed the sheets and went downstairs to make them something to eat. Otogi had told him he hadn't really eaten since Friday.

[How the hell did he even have the energy to stand up? No wonder he's so weak. And coupled with the fever…]

Joey shook his head as he dug out a tray from one of the lower cupboards. He placed two bowls of soup and a plate of sandwiches on it, along with another mug of herbal tea he had made for Otogi to help him sleep.

He had called Yugi as soon as he had come downstairs, telling him only that Otogi was really sick and that he was going to spend the night with him. He had spoken to Lexi, telling her that Otogi was going to be fine and that he'd see her in the morning.

"How're ya feelin'?" Joey asked, entering the bedroom.

"Better." Otogi smiled at him. "Still hurts though."

"It will for a while." Joey sat down on the bed, laying the tray between them. "Have the soup first. I want to see how it settles before you eat anything solid."

Otogi's smile grew. "You must make Tristan a very good wife."

"Oh, shut up." He handed Otogi the mug of tea, smirking when the dark haired man grimaced at the taste.

"What the hell did you put in this? Tastes like shit."

"It's the licorice root. It's all you had for the pain." Joey frowned. "Don't you have anything stronger?"

Otogi shook his head. "I used it all."

Joey decided to drop the subject, not saying anything as they ate. Otogi managed to get down the soup and half a sandwich before he started feeling nauseous.

Joey put the empty dishes on the tray and stood. "Be right back."

Otogi watched the empty doorway. {{Gods…what he must be thinking…damn it! He must hate me. Or worse…think I'm some sort of freak.}}

He felt his eyes getting heavy and he tried to lie down, a small moan escaping him as his body protested the movement.

"Hang on!" Joey was suddenly there. "Don't do that! Here."

Joey helped Otogi to lie down, wincing in sympathy every time Otogi did. He pulled the covers up around the raven haired man, and reclined next to him. He reached out, combing his fingers through the dark tresses, tucking the strands behind Otogi's ears.

Sad green eyes looked up at him, welling with tears.

"Does it still hurt a lot?" Joey asked, concerned. "I could go out and get you some aspirin or something."

"No. I just…" Otogi sniffled. "Joey…do you hate me?"

"What?!" Amber eyes widened in shock. "Why would I hate you?!"

"Because of this." Otogi said quietly, picking at the bed sheets. "I couldn't handle it if you thought I was a freak or something."

"I don't think that." Joey brushed the tears from the other man's face. "I could never think that. I don't understand, but I don't think less of you for it."

Otogi reached out and pulled Joey close, clinging to his shirt and crying. Joey stretched out, carefully putting his arms around the distraught man.

"Talk to me." He whispered. "Tell me why."

"It's always been this way." Otogi's voice was muffled by Joey's cotton covered chest. "The pain…the humiliation…it's like I'm addicted to it."

"But…Otogi, you're better than that. You deserve so much more than this." Joey gently tipped the other's face up. "Look…you have so much to offer. Any guy would be lucky to have you. Anyone that would treat you this way…it's just wrong."

"It's all I've ever known. Every relationship I've ever had has been this way."

"If you don't stop, it's going to get you killed one of these days." Joey said bluntly. "It's no better than the drugs, Otogi. You, of all people, should know that."

"I do. But…" Otogi trailed off. {{I can't have what I want, so what does it matter?}}

He may not have said it out loud, but Joey saw it in his eyes. [Oh, Otogi. I wish…]

He didn't remember making the decision, but suddenly his lips were on Otogi's, his tongue tracing the other man's bottom lip, requesting enterance. Otogi gasped in surprised and Joey took advantage of it, delving into the moist cavern.

Otogi moaned, his hand coming up to tangle in long, blond hair.

It was when Otogi began to kiss him back that Joey realized what he was doing. He pulled back; staring shocked into the jewel-like eyes.

"Joey…"

"I'm sorry. I don't know why I did that." Joey shook his head. "Maybe…ummm…maybe you should just go to sleep. You're halfway there already."

Otogi nodded, a little dumbstruck, and laid his head against Joey's chest.

Joey lay, chewing his lip, as Otogi's body relaxed against his. [Oh, gods. Why the HELL did I do that?]

~*~*~*~*~

DD: Well…hmmm…okay.

YD: Joey?! What the HELL was THAT about?!

Joey: *shrugs* You tell me, you're the one writing it.

Tris: Don't think I don't know where this is going.

Otogi: Hey! What's good for the gander is good for the…ummm…gander.

YD: That's right!

Lexi: YEAH!! Da-ee low Togi!!

DD: Out of the mouths of babes.